Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have problems paying attention and focusing on tasks. They sometimes act without thinking. Some children also fidget or cannot sit still and have lots of energy. This common disorder can continue into adulthood.
The exact cause of ADHD is not clear, although it seems to run in families. ADHD is not caused by eating too much sugar or by food additives, allergies, or immunizations.
Medicines, counseling, and extra support at home and at school can help your child succeed. Your child's doctor will want to see your child regularly.
Medicines for ADHD improve behavior and attention in many children who take them. But you'll need to watch your child carefully for side effects. Side effects usually decrease after a few weeks on the medicines. If your child is having bothersome side effects, talk to your child's doctor. The doctor may change the dosage or recommend a different medicine.
Be sure that medicine for ADHD is taken consistently. Keep track of the effects of the medicine, and communicate closely with your child's doctor.
Here are some other things to think about:
Regular, open communication with your teen and your teen's teachers and doctors is the first step in helping your teen with ADHD to thrive. And being aware of what's happening in your teen's life will allow you to work together to solve problems that might occur.
The teen years present many challenges. These include more schoolwork and the need to be more attentive and organized. Making good decisions becomes more important during these years when peer pressure, sexuality, and other issues surface.
Work with your teen to create reasonable goals. And use the right consequences when goals aren't met. That may include losing privileges or having more chores at home. Allow your teen to help decide rewards when the goals are met.
Make sure to use treatment methods as recommended by your child's doctor. These may include medicine and/or behavior management techniques. They will help your child manage symptoms of ADHD at home and school. You may also help your child succeed in school by doing these things.
Learning as much as you can about ADHD and your child's education rights will help you work with the school system more effectively.
A positive relationship with teachers and other school staff will improve your child's chances of being successful in school.
Open communication with your child's teacher can help resolve problems that may occur throughout the school year. Here are a few ideas for working and communicating with your child's teacher:
Health and school records can help monitor your child's academic and behavioral progress as well as help identify when treatment adjustments are needed. You should keep and update the following records:
Behavior therapy helps train parents, teachers, and other adults who are caring for a child with ADHD. It teaches adults to set routines and rules for behavior and then closely watch how a child responds. It uses techniques like rewards for good behavior and social skills training. It may also include individual and family counseling.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated